In his latest work, Garten (The Politics of Fortune) takes a unique approach to the thematic study of globalization as an economic, political, and social force. Rather than tracing the product of a garment or the development of a particular industry or nation, the author looks at the overarching themes of the theory of globalization and then uses biographies of principle figures to illustrate each stage. Whether it is Mayer Rothschild embodying the finance trade or Jean Monnet establishing the European Union and paving the way for the creation of a shared currency, each personality fits neatly into Garten's tenets of globalization, which are key factors drawn from his substantial knowledge of global interdependence. Engaging vignettes demonstrate a unique sociopolitical norm while making connections to the larger trends of globalization without losing their relevancy to the narrative as a whole. In sum, the stories serve to highlight the message that it isn't the innovation or the dream that's necessary for global achievement but rather confidence, pragmatism, and the ability to persist that leads to revolutionary and paradigm-shifting individuals. VERDICT This highly approachable book, clearly written and intriguing in concept, will be valuable in telling the story of globalization as the relationships between person and theme are well drawn and illuminating.—Elizabeth Zeitz, Otterbein Univ. Lib., Westerville, OH